Family fun with a focus on literacy: that’s what Literacy Now – a non-profit organization that aims to increase literacy awareness and learning opportunities – offers residents throughout the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
The organization will host a book exchange at the Rotary Okanagan International Children’s Festival, which takes place at Okanagan Lake Park in Penticton from May 22 to 24.
With their book, each child will also receive a complimentary bookmark to promote Literacy Now’s “Unplug and Play” campaign, which aims to encourage children to take a break from technology, be active and read.
The bookmarks offer suggestions for creative outdoor activities as well as a summer book list that will entice even the most tech addicted child to drop the iPad, pack a picnic and pick up a book, plan a scavenger hunt or build a sandcastle.
“We have a good stockpile of books to start off with and the exchange has been well received. The kids really seem to enjoy it,” said Literacy Now outreach coordinator Joan Chambers. “And it’s fun for us to see them come and be excited about reading.”
The Okanagan International Children’s Festival offers over 30 performances in three venues located around Okanagan Lake Park. Also included on the list of main stage performers are: comedian puppeteers Monster Theatre and urban folk group Le Groupe Swing. On the open stage will be Jacky Essombe, Circus West and Penticton hip-hop dancer Jake Evans.
Tickets are available online at www.okchildrensfest.com or can be purchased at their office located at Suite 202, 69 Nanaimo Ave. East. For more info on the festival visit www.okchildrensfest.com.
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
